Hi, I’m Wade Hudson—a Jamaican-born, Toronto-based photographer with family roots in Mackfield, Westmoreland, Jamaica. After Hurricane Melissa, I’m fundraising to get fast, transparent aid to families back home.

Right now, I’m waiting to reconnect with my aunt in Mackfield to confirm the most urgent needs and exactly which households we’ll help first. As soon as I have direct updates from her, I’ll post a priorities list and begin purchases.

What we’ll likely fund (to be confirmed with my aunt):

Roof repairs & weatherproofing: zinc sheets, plywood, tarps, nails, screws, sealant, basic tools

Essentials: food staples, clean water, hygiene items, solar/flash lights

Kids & school: uniforms, backpacks, notebooks, pencils

Shared tools pool: ladders, saws, hammers, rechargeable drills for ongoing repairs

How decisions will be made

I’ll coordinate with my aunt and trusted neighbors on the ground to verify damage.

We’ll prioritize elderly households, single-parent families, and homes with major roof loss.

I’ll post public updates with who/what was funded and why.

Funding so far (thank you!)

$4890 has already been raised through a photo workshop hosted by Jalani Morgan, Teaunna Gray & Myself with the support of Westside Studios. Those funds are reserved for this relief effort and will be included in the same transparent tracking as GoFundMe donations.

Transparency you can expect

Receipts & summaries posted in updates (grouped by Roofing, Essentials, School, Tools).

Photo/video updates of materials purchased and repairs completed (before/after when possible).

If costs change, any remainder goes to the next most urgent Mackfield needs.

Non-profit/charity note

I’m working on formalizing a non-profit vehicle to steward this work long-term. If/when it’s ready, I’ll add the organization as a GoFundMe beneficiary so funds can route directly. Until then, I’ll withdraw to my account and immediately disburse to purchases for families, documenting everything with updates. (Canadian donors: personal GoFundMe donations don’t generate official charitable tax receipts.)

How you can help today

Donate any amount—every dollar stretches with local purchasing.

Share this page with the subject: “Help Mackfield, Jamaica Rebuild After Hurricane Melissa.”

Message me if you can connect local suppliers for roofing or essentials at fair prices.

Thank you for standing with Mackfield. Your support brings roofs, safety, and dignity back to families who need it most.

— Wade